S 1631Prohibits discrimination on basis of height or weight under "Law Against Discrimination."

Latest change summary

+8628 / −122 words · LargeConfidence: high

This bill comprehensively adds height and weight as protected characteristics throughout New Jersey's Law Against Discrimination, extending anti-discrimination protections to employment, housing, public accommodations, credit and lending, real estate services, and business transactions. The legislation includes a new preamble establishing that discrimination causes personal hardships including economic loss and emotional trauma, declares legislative intent for liberal construction with compensatory and punitive damages available to all protected persons, and defines exceptions permitting height or weight restrictions only when they constitute bona fide occupational qualifications or safety requirements. The bill also adds anti-retaliation provisions protecting those who oppose discriminatory practices or participate in proceedings, prohibits municipalities from using land use powers discriminatorily based on height or weight, and establishes enforcement through Superior Court actions.